You sit on the sofa, one hand on your belly, and feel your baby move – perhaps for the last time in this familiar tightness. The 40th week of pregnancy is here, accompanied by a mix of impatience, excitement, and maybe a little fear. When will it finally start? Am I really ready? The good news is: your body knows exactly what to do – and you are more prepared than you think.

Watercolor scene of a pregnant woman at golden hour, standing by a large window overlooking a peaceful garden, one hand gently on her belly, soft amber and rose light streaming through sheer curtains, expression serene yet expectant, potted plants and a cozy armchair nearby, dreamy and intimate atmosphere, painted with delicate washes and flowing brushstrokes

What Happens Now in Your Body – and with Your Baby

In the 40th week of pregnancy, your baby is fully developed and ready for the world. It weighs an average of between 3,200 and 3,600 grams and measures about 51 centimeters. The space in your uterus is running out – so you may feel fewer wild somersaults, but instead, strong kicks and stretches.

Your body is preparing intensely for birth: The cervix is softening and beginning to open, your pelvis is loosening due to the hormone relaxin, and the pre-labor contractions of the last weeks have pushed your baby deeper into the pelvis. Many women notice a slight weight loss or increased need to urinate now – both signs that it will start soon.

Recognizing the Important Signs of Labor

Not every cramp is a contraction – but some signals are clear. Pay attention to these signs:

  • Regular contractions: They come at shorter intervals (initially every 10 minutes, then every 5 minutes), become stronger, and cannot be stopped by movement or a bath.
  • Water breaking: If amniotic fluid is released – whether in a gush or a trickle – you should contact your clinic or midwife promptly. The color is important: clear is good, greenish requires immediate attention.
  • Mucus plug and bloody show: A slightly bloody, mucous discharge indicates that the cervix is opening. This can happen hours to days before birth.
  • Diarrhea or nausea: Your body is "cleaning up" before the big task – a natural sign that labor is approaching.
Watercolor illustration showing a simple, educational diagram with gentle pastel tones: a clock face showing intervals (10 min, 5 min), a water droplet symbol, and a checklist icon, arranged in a soft circular composition, text labels in English: 'Regular contractions', 'Water breaking', 'Mucus plug', painted with light washes and minimalist style, calming and informative visual for expectant mothers

The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Last Days

Between "I can’t wait!" and "Am I really ready to be a mother?" sometimes only minutes pass. These emotional fluctuations are perfectly normal. Your body is hormonally in a state of emergency, and the thought of your life changing radically can be overwhelming.

Allow yourself to feel all emotions: Fear of pain, worry about your baby, impatience as the date passes, or even sadness about the end of pregnancy. All of this is allowed. Many women experience an intense "nesting instinct" during these days – suddenly, the apartment must be perfect. Use this energy, but don’t overwhelm yourself.

How Partners and Family Can Help Now

  • Be present without pressuring: Questions like "Still nothing?" increase the pressure. Better: "How are you today?"
  • Practical support: Running errands, preparing light meals, accompanying relaxation exercises.
  • Offer distractions: A walk, a movie, a card game – anything that takes the focus off the waiting for a moment.
  • Be ready for departure: Phone charged, car fueled, hospital bag within reach – this makes the pregnant woman feel safer.
Watercolor scene of a couple walking through an autumn forest path, fallen leaves in warm ochre and burgundy, dappled afternoon light through bare branches, the pregnant woman in a cozy cardigan, partner holding her hand gently, peaceful and supportive atmosphere, painted with soft edges and layered transparent washes, low angle perspective

Your Checklist: Ready for the Clinic

Even if you have probably already packed your hospital bag – now is the time to check it again. There’s nothing more stressful than searching for the charger in labor.

For Birth

  • Maternity record and insurance card
  • Comfortable clothing (old t-shirt that can get dirty)
  • Warm socks (many women feel cold in their feet during labor)
  • Lip balm and glucose (labor is exhausting!)
  • Music or a playlist that relaxes you
  • Massage oil or ball for the partner

For the First Days with Baby

  • Nursing pads and comfortable nursing bras
  • Pads (no tampons!) for postpartum bleeding
  • Comfortable, loose clothing to change into
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, shower gel, hair tie)
  • Baby clothes: bodysuits, sleepers, bonnets, blanket for the trip home
  • Car seat for baby (install and test it beforehand!)

Tip: Take a photo of your bag's contents with your phone – this way, you can tell your partner or family exactly what else is needed in case of an emergency.

Watercolor illustration of an open hospital bag viewed from above, neatly arranged items visible: folded clothes, toiletries, baby onesie, phone charger, snacks, painted in soft pastel blues and creams, checklist with ticks floating beside it, text in English: 'Hospital Bag Essentials', gentle and organized composition, reassuring visual with delicate brushwork and light shadows

Relaxation and Self-Care in the Last Hours

The waiting time can feel endless. Instead of nervously paying attention to every twinge, try to consciously enjoy these last days – it is the calm before the beautiful storm.

Proven Relaxation Techniques

  • Breathing exercises: Breathe deeply into your belly (4 seconds), hold for a moment (2 seconds), breathe out slowly (6 seconds). This calms the nervous system and is also helpful during labor.
  • Warm bath: A bath (not too hot!) with lavender relaxes the muscles. Caution: Don’t bathe alone in case labor suddenly begins.
  • Visualization: Imagine how your body opens like a flower, how your baby gently finds its way outside. Positive images reduce fear.
  • Movement: Light walks, hip circles on the exercise ball, or gentle yoga can promote contractions while also providing relaxation.

Important: If you feel exhausted, rest. You need strength for the birth – sleep is now more valuable than any to-do list.

When Should You Contact the Clinic or Midwife?

Call or head out if:

  • The contractions come regularly every 5 minutes (for at least an hour)
  • The water has broken
  • You have heavy bleeding (more than during your period)
  • You no longer feel fetal movements
  • You have a bad feeling – your intuition counts!
Watercolor scene of a woman sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat in a sunlit room, eyes closed, hands resting on her pregnant belly, morning light casting long soft shadows, plants in the background, serene and meditative atmosphere, painted with flowing transparent layers and warm golden tones, close-up perspective focusing on peaceful expression

The First Thoughts About the Time After

While you wait for labor, thoughts about the first weeks with the baby may already be swirling through your mind. That’s good – but don’t pressure yourself to plan everything perfectly.

What really matters: In the first weeks, it’s about settling in – for you and your baby. The postpartum period is a time of healing, getting to know each other, and hormonal adjustments. Organize support now: Can someone cook? Shop? Care for older children?

Prepare Your Home

  • Set up a cozy quiet corner (pillows, blanket, water bottle, snacks within reach)
  • Cook in advance and freeze meals
  • Have diapers, bodysuits, and burp cloths ready
  • Note important numbers: midwife, pediatrician, lactation consultant

And very importantly: Be gentle with yourself. The first weeks are a rollercoaster of happiness, exhaustion, doubts, and overwhelming love. You don’t have to be able to do everything – you just have to be there.

You have allowed a miracle to grow inside you for 40 weeks. Now the last, most powerful step is approaching – and you are ready. Trust your body, trust your baby, and remember: thousands of women are going through the same journey at this very moment. You are not alone.